9.08.2009

"Imagine Your Life Without Fear." That is the subtitle of Max Lucado's newest book, Fearless, which released today. In a world of uncertainties, how can we possibly think of a life without fear, much less live one? Combining his exquisite word-crafting with solid Biblical truth, Max Lucado shares that we can do exactly that, through trust in the all-powerful God of the universe. He shares with us Christ's "call to courage", pointing out that the one statement Jesus made more than any other was, "Be not afraid."

Not long after I became a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger, I was given the opportunity to review Fearless, and participate in today's blogging event. I had no idea at the time what an impact it would have on me, and how perfect the timing of this assignment would be. In the short time it took the book to arrive, grief, uncertainty, worry, and fear were invading my corner of the world from all sides.

And here was Max Lucado's new book about fear, lying literally on my doorstep.

Wow.

Lucado combines his master storytelling skills with solid Scriptural truth to create a call to faith and courage that has serious depth without seeming "deep". It is a book you can read when your mind is on overload and your soul is just plain weary, and "grab hold" of the truths it contains.

In it, Lucado addresses the "why?" of fear, the fear of disappointing God, the fear of overwhelming challenges, the fear of worst-case scenarios, and the fear of death, among others. His excellent discussions of worry, the fear of not being able to protect our children, and doubt that God is not really who He says He is were highlights of the book to me. And the final chapter, "The One Healthy Terror" closes the book with a call to see God as who He *is*, not who we want Him to be, and not only to *trust* Him, but to worship Him as well.

If you are in the midst of a storm right now...dealing with fear, worry, or doubt...or know someone who is, Fearless is a must-read, and a must-share.